You can view and download the original research done by Sustrans & Socialdata in 2004, on which much of our paper is based, here.

You can view and download a summary of the Sustrans & Socialdata research carried out in all three Sustainable Travel Towns here.

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Highlights of the Campaign Position Paper

The Sustainable Travel and Cycling grants received by Darlington Borough Council from 2004 were given by our national government to address national problems. The term “Demonstration Town” applies to both grants, because Darlington is expected to demonstrate something useful for the rest of the nation to follow. Taking the money implies a national responsibility that Darlington Cycling Campaign takes seriously.

The paper specifically addresses the opportunity identified in Sustrans/Socialdata’s research to encourage 34% of 2004 Darlington car travellers to use a bike instead. If Darlington were successful, and our formula was adopted nationally, this would make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

The Campaign sees the key issues that promote or hinder greater cycling as cycling's status, speed and directness of cycle routes, safety of cycle routes, and the relative priority given to different modes of transport in the town.

Traffic law needs clarifying, now that cycling is officially promoted in our urban areas. Even some cycling organisations are stuck in a 20th century mindset. All sustainable forms of transport now need to be given much greater priority in urban areas, with a shared space, rather than segregationist philosophy, underpinning our thinking.

The Pedestrian Heart is a great opportunity to demonstrate this approach in practice, but requires both training and policing directed towards a more considerate behaviour towards other modes of travel. The Campaign is calling for police on bikes to patrol the Heart, and for cycle trainers and driving instructors to develop programmes designed for shared urban spaces.

We want Darlington to become an example to the rest of the nation. The Symposium will end with a Community Declaration to central government to adopt a "Darlington Formula" for urban travel planning nationally, and to help us firm up that formula.

You can still register for the Symposium. Email us with your contact details to darlocycling@hotmail.comSymposium Timetable

1.00 – 1.15pm Welcome; tea & coffee

1.15 – 2.15pm Better Cycling in Darlington 1: Cycling CampaignCycling Demonstration Town achievements and limitations. Followed by responses and debate

Darlington Cycling Campaign Blog

Wheels in the Heart

Who shares the Pedestrian Heart with pedestrians? Not just cyclists. Vehicles on wheels, some motorised, some not. In every case, we simply need to behave responsibly.

The Pedestrian Heart Bike Chain Massacre

Witness screaming pedestrians run for cover, as the killer cyclists ruthlessly mow down defenceless old ladies. Drown in the bloodbath that will inevitably follow the release of the "silent menaces". Oh, and spot the irresponsible wheelchair pusher doing a wheelie....

Things to Come

Cycling through a busy city, without battling with cars - instead they give way to cyclists and pedestrians at every junction. A considerate approach to/from other road users, an imaginative solution to a busy roundabout. One day in Darlington...

Mike's Journey Home

From gentle Pedestrian Heart cycling to Northgate traffic jams and fumes, Mike's daily journey has it all. But he is still probably the fastest commuter during rush hour.

Wheelchair User Advocates Shared Space

A great step forward in community harmony witnessed today, as a wheelchair user chose to share the West Auckland Road cycle path with cyclists. The Shared Space philosophy is becoming a reality in Darlington!
Can we accept all those pedestrians who choose to use red tarmac in the same spirit?

Things to Come 2

Contraflow sign erected in Northgate. The actual contraflow lane is still to appear.

So Much Catching Up

We thought we were 20 or 30 years behind the continent? This is a street scene in Hamburg, 1955. Cycle paths were already being built more than 50 years ago.